Best of Harford County: 65 favorites from 2017

Ron Catterton works on a floral arrangement at Richardson's Flowers & Gifts, voted best florist in the Best of Harford County readers' poll.

Ron Catterton works on a floral arrangement at Richardson's Flowers & Gifts, voted best florist in the Best of Harford County readers' poll. (Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun)

Profiles by Pete Pichaske

The fervor around the Best of Harford County is a five-month affair. From the time the readers’ poll launches in late September to this issue’s delivery in February, businesses, nonprofits and readers are abuzz in anticipation of who might take home the coveted title.

At last, the wait is over.

This year, more than 12,000 voters selected their favorites in 65 categories, ranging from everyday needs like child care to special-occasion spots like event venues.

Readers’ passion is clear; when we asked voters to tell us why they chose one of their favorites, the responses were enthusiastic and heartfelt. A few of those testimonials are sprinkled throughout the results.

OUT & ABOUT

Art studio/gallery: Amazing Glaze

“Amazing Glaze is a wonderful place to unwind, or take your child for a rainy day activity. They allow you to bring food and drinks and even a bottle of wine to share with your friends.” — Nicole Long, Bel Air

Honorable mentions:

Harford Artists Gallery

Arts by the Bay

Exploration Art School

Annual event/festival: Bel Air Festival for the Arts

Honorable mentions:

Saint Margaret Fall Festival

Harford County Farm Fair

Maryland State BBQ Bash

Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun

Vanessa Bennett of Parkville looks for a family cat at the Humane Society of Harford County.

Vanessa Bennett of Parkville looks for a family cat at the Humane Society of Harford County. (Kenneth K. Lam / Baltimore Sun)

Charity/nonprofit: The Humane Society of Harford County

In less than a decade, the Humane Society of Harford County has doubled the percentage of rescue animals it finds homes for, from 45 to more than 90 percent.

“We’re very proud of that,” says marketing coordinator Erin Long.

It’s just one reason county residents admire the facility, which last year took in more than 3,300 animals — dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, goats and even iguanas.

“We have a very engaged staff,” says Long, noting that description applies to both the 22 paid staffers and the more than 200 volunteers. “We’re all animal lovers, of course, and we’re committed to staff training and implementing enrichment programs for the animals” that include interactive toys, like rubber Kongs stuffed with peanut butter for dogs.

Adventure abounds in Harford County, often in places you might not think to look. We’ve compiled a list of the less-explored parks, museums and more for fresh, kid-friendly fun year-round. Here’s where to go to get your family off the beaten path.

(By Laura Jane Willoughby, For Harford Magazine)

Rainy-day activity: The Playroom

Honorable mentions:

Horizon Cinemas Fallston

The Arena Club (tie)

Bel Air Library (tie)

Special event venue: Rockfield Manor

Honorable mentions:

Swan Harbor Farm

Liriodendron

The Arena Club

RECREATION

Dance lessons: Supernova Dance Company

“Supernova Dance Company is an amazing dance studio that provides an excellent dance education for your child along with a positive and nurturing learning environment.” — Elizabeth Thornton, Bel Air

Kim Kellagher isn’t sure what clients look for in a personal trainer, but she knows what she looks for in a client.

“I look for people who want it for themselves, who are willing to do the best they can,” says Kellagher, who has worked as a personal trainer at The Arena Club since she was certified 20 years ago. “If they don’t, it doesn’t matter how good a trainer you are, you’re not going to be successful with them.”

An experienced cyclist, runner and kickboxer, Kellagher leads group fitness classes like Tabata, a high-intensity workout developed Japanese Olympians, and Strong and Lean, a strength-training regimen.

“That’s the best thing about this job – it’s never boring,” she says. “And, I get to work out and the members are awesome.”

The local co-owners of the two Saxon’s Diamond Centers, multiple-time Best of Harford winners, credit their popularity to a handful of reasons.

First, says co-owner Kevin Ferrell, they carry some of the finest brands in the business, Rolex watches and Hearts On Fire diamonds, for example.

Second, they take an active role in the community, sponsoring hundreds of community events every year, Ferrell said, to help such groups as Harford Family House and the Harford County Library Foundation.

Saxon’s also offers an unusual option for couples who buy their engagement and wedding rings from the store: A “Let It Rain” promotion gives newlyweds a refund of up to $3,000 if it rains an inch or more on their wedding day.

Finally, the owners take seriously their role in the memorable events in their customers’ lives.

“We’re so fortunate to be involved in these events,” co-owner Lance Hersh says. “It means a lot to us.”

“Shout out to Bel Air Farmers’ Market … for providing amazing vendors and a perfect opportunity for my daughter (who is vegan) and I to do something fun together after our workouts on Saturday mornings!” — Kelli Clawson, Bel Air

Honorable mentions:

Brad’s Produce

Harman’s Farm Market

Jones Family Farm

Barbara Haddock Taylor / Baltimore Sun

Saurav Shiwakoti adds apples to a display in the produce department at Wegmans.

His store is part of one of the most popular supermarket chains in the country, but Bob O’Connor is always looking for ways to improve it.

In the past year, for example, the manager of Wegmans in Abingdon has overseen the introduction of a new line of Mexican meals, which customers can prepare themselves following a store menu, buy in prepared form to take home and heat up, or buy at the store’s hot bar.

“We’re about helping the customer to go home and put a meal on the table really easily,” O’Connor says.

He’s proud of the store’s customer service and food quality, but the best part? “We do it with consistently low prices,” he says.

Sandy Riley used to drive by Richardson’s Flowers & Gifts and admire the gorgeous displays in the window. In 2001, she and her husband bought the shop from the original owner’s daughter, and now it’s their work that others admire.

“It’s a cliche thing, but it’s a very beautiful business,” she says. The shop provides arrangements for all occasions but specializes in custom funeral pieces, among them the “Bleeding Heart,” a giant arrangement that depicts a broken heart.

The beauty is only part of what keeps Riley and her team of experienced floral designers going.

“The nature of the business is we’re invited into all the celebrations of people’s lives,” says Riley, asked what makes her shop special. “We consider that to be a privilege, and realizing we’re providing a service that is very important in people’s lives, we want to do the very best we can for everybody.”

“Old Line Barbers is the only place that can cut and style my boys' hair, as well as my husband's. My 6-year-old loves to have a faux-hawk one day and look ‘normal’ the next. Kevin O'Brien makes that possible for him.” — Holly Miller, Forest Hill

Jim Ryan had been an interior designer for a quarter century when, a little over 10 years ago, he mentioned to the owners of Simply Grande Home Furnishings that he was surprised that they were not in the design and window treatment business.

Within days, he said, the owners called and invited him to join the business. Ryan now runs Simply Grande Interiors, a separate business inside Simply Grande Home Furnishings.

“We go the extra mile,” he says of his business’ success and popularity. “We listen very closely to our clients — take their tastes and stretch them. But always remembering it’s their home, not ours.”

A few years ago, for example, he redid a dining room for a woman who wanted a lot of color on the walls but nothing jolting. He suggested white walls below the chair rail and above, a pastoral mural. “She was very happy with that,” Ryan recalls.